Presentation to the Authorities

by Herman Melville

By Privates, of Colors captured in Battles ending in the Surrender of Lee.

These flags of armies overthrown-- Flags fallen beneath the sovereign one In end foredoomed which closes war; We here, the captors, lay before The altar which of right claims all-- Our Country. And as freely we, Revering ever her sacred call, Could lay our lives down--though life be Thrice loved and precious to the sense Of such as reap the recompense Of life imperiled for just cause-- Imperiled, and yet preserved; While comrades, whom Duty as strongly nerved, Whose wives were all as dear, lie low. But these flags given, glad we go To waiting homes with vindicated laws.